The Soloist

Orchestra Model

The Soloist 30th Commemorative Limited Edition

Overview:

Bearclaw German Spruce TopPremium Cocobolo Back and Sideswith Soloist accents

Limited Edition of 12. Signed and Numbered by Dana Bourgeois and Eric Schoenberg.

30 years ago, Dana Bourgeois and Eric Schoenberg collaborated to develop and introduce the first cutaway OM. At the time, Schoenberg was dreaming of the perfect fingerstyle guitar, incorporating all of the best elements of vintage OMs and a variety modern appointments including the addition of a Selmer-style cutaway. After Bourgeois' initial attempts at building such a hybrid resulted in the loss of several Brazilian rosewood sides, a rounder, softer cutaway was adopted, and a classic was born

Since the early 1990s, Bourgeois and Schoenberg have continued to produce different interpretations of The Soloist under their separate logos. In that time, the “soft-cutaway” originally introduced on The Soloist has now become a familiar sight on a variety of guitar models from many different manufacturers. In fact, it is now hard to believe that a cutaway flattop was once a rare thing!

Anticipating demand for cutaway OMs that Bourgeois' small shop could not at that time address, Schoenberg and Bourgeois partnered with C. F. Martin to produce the original "Schoenberg Soloist", the first-ever production cutaway OM and the first cutaway acoustics ever produced by Martin. Under the original arrangement, Bourgeois provided critical materials and parts and also hand-voiced Soloist tops and backs at the Martin factory, while Martin executed most of the production, and Eric Schoenberg handled sales and marketing. For the complete story of the Soloist, please visit our informative history here.

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30th Commemorative Limited Edition

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Soloist, we’ve partnered once again with Eric Schoenberg to produce a limited run of 12 instruments. Each instrument will bear a commemorative label signed by both Eric and Dana, just as the originals did. For this series we’ve paired two very special tonewoods; Premium Cocobolo and Bearclaw German Spruce. Both are the finest examples of their species and rare in this grade! The elegant “Soloist” triangle inlay not only adorns the heel as it has traditionally, but it has also been added to both sides of the pyramid bridge as a finishing touch.

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Specifications & FAQS

We offer a wide variety of Guitar Packages and Models from which you can choose. For help with custom orders and with pricing, please consult your Bourgeois Dealer. You can find a list of Authorized Bourgeois Dealers here.

With the help of your Bourgeois Dealer and this spec sheet, you can decide on a Body Style and Guitar Package. Or you can opt for a popular Bourgeois Model. You might decide on one of our Luthier’s Choice or Limited Edition guitars. Additionally, we offer plenty of custom options that will allow you to dream up something unique.

Body Style Specifications - Listed Body Styles are available in any of our Guitar Packages as well as the listed standard Models. Some specs, such as scale length and nut width are interchangeable, some are specific to the package. Choose your Body Style and then pick your Guitar Package.

Guitar Package Specifications - Listed Guitar Packages are available on any of our Body Styles. Some specs, such as scale length and nut width are interchangeable, some are specific to the model.

Models - Our popular “Models” like the Banjo Killer, the Soloist and the Aged Tone Series are listed with their specifications. These models are available with very few options other than body woods and neck sizes.

Necks: Our neck shape is likened to a “gentle V”. Each Model and Package is built with either our 1 23/32” nut width or our 1 3 /4” nut. If you would prefer one over the other, you may request it for no extra charge. This must be done at the time you place your order.

About Top Woods:We love Adirondack and European spruce and offer one or the other as the standard on most Bourgeois Models. However, Master Grade Premium Sitka is always available.

About Back & Side Woods: Our standard woods are listed on the Models, Packages and Options pages. If you’re interested in a tonewood not shown on these pages, please inquire. We have used many woods with great success. Just ask.